Reviewer Anthony Kershaw calls "Iberia" »one of the few records that transcends engineering, and simply allows Debussy, Ravel, Reiner and his orchestra to make our souls a richer place«

This RCA is a »perfect« synthesis of interpretation, playing and sound

The recording is rich in timbre and detail, and is beautifully transparent, identifying the accurate placement of instruments and the boundaries of Orchestra Hall's stage

The soundfield is complete (depth and width) with the center boasting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's fabulous woodwind section

As it seems to be on many great orchestral recordings, the percussion section steals the 'audiophile' show

The percussionists' playing in "Iberia" will amaze you with their crack ensemble and the way they accomplish quick changes in dynamics, these ranging from quiet delicacy to raw power

Conductor Fritz Reiner must have reveled in the sound of the castanets clicking merrily on his left and the different styles of tambourine technique employed by the section player on his right

From the softest stroke of a soft mallet on suspended cymbal to the superb timpani sound, "Iberia" is all that recorded percussion should be

RECORDING 1957 at the Orchestra Hall ChicagoENGINEERING Lewis LaytonLABEL RCA Living StereoRE MASTERING Ryan SmithRE RELEASED October 2015AVERAGE RATING 4 ½ Stars out of 5MADE IN USASTYLE Classic / OrchestralAVAILABLE as long as inventory